One of the most renowned birding locations along the Eastern Seabord, Bombay Hook NWR stretches along the northwest shore of Delaware Bay, about 10 miles northeast of Dover. Established in 1937 to protect wetlands for migrant and wintering waterfowl, this 16,200 acre refuge offers spectacular wildlife viewing throughout the year.
From mid April through early June, large, mixed flocks of shorebirds descend on Bombay Hook as they make their way toward Arctic breeding grounds. Attracted by the vast tidal marshes and mudflats of the refuge, they are also drawn by the nutritious eggs of horseshoe crabs which fill the shallows in May. Joining the shorebirds are a wide variety of waders, gulls, terns, raptors and migrant songbirds. Among the many species that nest at Bombay Hook are bald eagles, ospreys, clapper and Virginia rails, least and American bitterns, black-necked stilts, barn owls, sedge and marsh wrens, blue grosbeaks, fish crows, seaside sparrows and salt marsh sharp-tailed sparrows. By autumn, huge flocks of geese and ducks descend on the refuge.
Access to the tidal marshes, freshwater pools, cordgrass meadows and wooded swamps is provided by a 12-mile auto tour road, which begins near the Visitor Center; five trails, boardwalks and three observations towers are also provided for visitors. Bombay Hook NWR is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year; an entrance fee is charged.
